LOS ANGELES — County health officials are warning of widespread negative consequences for community health and safety following the Trump administration’s decision to bar undocumented Californians from accessing critical federally funded health and social service programs.
The policy change will have a “massive impact” on physical health, mental health and substance use programs run by the county’s health departments and delivered through community clinics and partner organizations, three top health officials said.
“We are deeply saddened by the federal administration’s decision to bar undocumented Californians from accessing critical federally funded health and social service programs,” Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of L.A. County Public Health; Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of L.A. County Health Services; and Dr. Lisa Wong, Director of L.A. County Mental Health Services said in a joint statement.
The officials warned that restricting access to these programs risks worsening health outcomes and deepening systemic inequities across communities. These programs serve as lifelines for individuals and families throughout the county, they said.
When people are afraid to seek care or are blocked from accessing it altogether, prevention opportunities are limited, illnesses go untreated, mental health crises escalate and substance use disorders worsen, the health directors said.
“Delayed care can lead to higher rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, homelessness, and the spread of communicable diseases,” they said. “Ultimately, denying people the ability to receive timely care threatens the health of entire communities, not just those directly affected.”
The policy will also create a chilling effect on all patients seeking care, including U.S. citizens, spreading fear and uncertainty that keep people from accessing services that protect both individual and public health, officials warned.
The change will strain public and private providers’ ability to fund and sustain the services communities rely on to stay healthy. County health officials said they are working to understand the full impact of the policy on their departments and programs.
“At LA County’s health departments, we are guided by the fundamental belief that health care is a human right and essential for the well-being of all people,” the three directors said. “We stand united in our commitment to ensuring that every person — regardless of immigration status — can seek the healthcare services they need without fear or barriers.”
The officials emphasized that the new federal policy threatens to undermine that mission. They urged federal leaders to reconsider policies that deny health care to vulnerable community members.
County health departments are assessing how the policy will impact their operations and exploring ways to maintain services for affected residents. The change affects programs across multiple health sectors that serve thousands of county residents.
“We remain steadfast in our dedication to care for all who need us,” the health directors said. “We urge federal leaders to reconsider policies that deny health care to vulnerable members of our communities and instead prioritize the health, dignity, and humanity of every person.”
